Serpentine Green at a glance
- What
- Large covered shopping, food, services and leisure centre
- Where
- Hargate Way, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8BE
- Opened
- 8 February 1999
- Scale
- Approximately 337,000 square feet
- Parking
- Around 2,100 spaces, with four hours free
- Best for
- Family shopping, groceries, services and everyday errands
The commercial heart of Hampton and one of Peterborough’s largest shopping destinations, Serpentine Green brings fashion, food, health, leisure and everyday services together beneath one roof at the city’s southern gateway.
Serpentine Green opened in February 1999 as Hampton was beginning its transformation into one of Peterborough’s largest modern communities. Its arrival gave the emerging neighbourhood a major commercial centre of its own and placed Hampton firmly on the city’s retail map.
More than a quarter of a century later, it remains an important part of everyday life in southern Peterborough. The centre combines more than 30 shops and services with groceries, cafés, casual food, healthcare and leisure, creating somewhere that can handle the weekly shop, new clothes, appointments and coffee in a single visit.
The wider Hampton landscape tells one of Peterborough’s most distinctive regeneration stories. Former brick-clay workings have become neighbourhoods, lakes and internationally important wildlife habitats. Serpentine Green now sits at the centre of that transformation, surrounded by the growing communities of Hampton Hargate, Hampton Vale and Hampton Water. Discover more about Hampton through the Villages of Peterborough.
A major refurbishment and extension completed in 2018 modernised the northern end of the centre, adding new retail and leisure space, restaurants, improved public areas and outdoor seating. That investment helped Serpentine Green evolve from a traditional shopping centre into a broader hub for shopping, eating, exercise and community activity.
Its position beside the A1139 and close to the A1 makes it particularly convenient for people arriving from the south of Peterborough and surrounding villages. Direct bus services also connect Hampton with Peterborough railway station and Queensgate bus station.
For visitors, Serpentine Green can also serve as a practical base for discovering southern Peterborough. Peterborough WakePark, Hampton’s lakes and nature reserves, Nene Park and the historic site of Norman Cross are all within easy reach.
What to expect
High-street shopping
Fashion, footwear, beauty, gifts, jewellery, technology and household shopping in a largely covered, single-level centre.
Groceries and services
A large food offer sits alongside opticians, travel, personal care and practical services used by the surrounding community.
Cafés and casual food
Choose from coffee, snacks, freshly prepared lunches, takeaway food and family-friendly places for a pause between shops.
More than shopping
A medical centre, pharmacy services, beauty treatments and a 24-hour gym make Serpentine Green part of Hampton’s everyday infrastructure.
Road and bus connections
Direct access from Peterborough’s parkway network, extensive parking and frequent buses make the centre accessible from across the city.
Markets and seasonal events
Pop-up markets, family activities and seasonal campaigns periodically bring local traders and community organisations into the centre.
Planning your visit
- Address
- Serpentine Green Shopping Centre, Hargate Way, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8BE
- Opening hours
- Typical centre hours are 9am–8pm Monday–Saturday and 10am–4pm Sunday. Individual businesses, healthcare and leisure facilities may differ.
- Admission
- The shopping centre is free to enter. Purchases, food, treatments and leisure activities are charged separately.
- By car
- The centre is beside the A1139 Fletton Parkway and approximately two miles from Junction 17 of the A1(M). Follow signs for Hampton.
- Parking
- Around 2,100 surface spaces are available. The first four hours are free, with a paid extension available for longer visits. ANPR restrictions apply, so check the signs.
- Blue Badge parking
- Designated Blue Badge spaces are provided close to the entrances, alongside parent-and-child bays and pedestrian crossing points.
- By bus
- Route 6 links Serpentine Green with Hampton, Peterborough railway station and Queensgate bus station. Other local services may also call here.
- By train
- Peterborough railway station is approximately four miles away. Continue by direct bus, taxi or car.
- Access
- The main shopping areas are predominantly single-level, with step-free approaches and automatic entrance doors. Individual unit layouts can vary.
- Facilities
- Customer toilets, accessible facilities and baby-changing provision are available. Check signs within the centre for the nearest location.
- Food and drink
- Cafés, takeaway food and casual dining are available. Menus, dietary provision and opening hours vary between businesses.
- Contact
- Centre management: 01733 896479.
Continue exploring Peterborough
Peterborough WakePark
Try cable wakeboarding on Hampton Water, with coaching and sessions for beginners through to experienced riders.
View listingNene Park
Explore lakes, meadows, woodland, play areas, watersports and miles of walking and cycling routes.
View listingNorman Cross
Discover the site of the world’s first purpose-built prisoner-of-war camp, a short journey south of Hampton.
View listingHampton and Peterborough’s villages
Explore the communities, landscapes and local stories surrounding the city, including Hampton’s reclaimed brick pits and lakes.
Discover moreBusinesses, opening hours, events, transport and parking arrangements can change. Details correct at the time of writing, August 2026. Check current arrangements before making a special journey.